Story of Jim Charneski

When my wife Bobbie was in the hospital, I had gone down to my car to get a document and when I came back up I could hardly breathe. Next thing I know I’m being escorted to the emergency room at St. Vincent’s and had a heart attack followed by open heart surgery, five bypasses, a pace maker, lung collapse, and 28 days in the hospital.

In the operation, the doctors said at my age and my state of health I would never survive a lung operation. We all sat down and talked about what would be the best for me and that was let’s get quality of life for the short time because I’m going to die and I accepted that.

Unity Hospice, one of the best things that ever happened to me after I had my heart attack. They are compassionate, very competent and God sent people. I feel fortunate to be a part of the Unity program.

Brenda, Jill & Kathy, Jim’s daughter

When the topic was raised about if hospice should be an option, his initial reaction was no. In hospice you all are just going to leave me to die. We had a lot of heartfelt conversations about what hospice was, what his goals were, that it really was about him living better and that by starting hospice he was going to actual enjoy the end of his life.

He has come a long way in his acceptance of hospice. He has said from the get-go and continues to say almost daily, “This is true good to be true”. And he is so thankful for the care that is provided and amazed at all that they do and how they take care of everything.

We have a good team. Amy is his nurse. Jane is the social worker. And Larry provides the ministry support. That was one of the immediate benefits that made him feel better. We could just come over and visit and that we weren’t so much the caregivers anymore.

Bobbie, Jim’s Wife

We have been with Unity for almost a year. All I can say is it is wonderful for him and for me. I no longer have to worry about measuring out his pills and making a mistake. I no longer have to worry about taking him to the doctors three to four times a week. I can call Unity anytime of the day or night and they will help me. My husband is teaching us all how to die. We do have a new normal, but that’s okay.